Best Cheap Health Insurance in Tennessee in 2026
BlueCross BlueShield is the best affordable health insurance company in Tennessee, with Silver plan rates starting at $654 per month before discounts.
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Best and cheapest health insurance in Tennessee
Cheapest health insurance companies in Tennessee
Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Oscar have the cheapest health insurance plans in Tennessee, with Silver plans starting at $646 per month before discounts.
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Affordable health insurance in Tennessee
Company |
Cost
| |
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter of Tennessee | $646-$878 |
| BCBS of TN | $654-$1,001 |
| Oscar | $663-$787 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $690-$859 |
- Cheap rates depending on your income: Most people shopping for individual or family health insurance don't have to pay full price because subsidies lower the cost of a plan based on your income. Comparing full-priced plans can help you know what's a good deal. But remember that your rates will be lower after discounts are applied.
- Cheaper plans with less coverage: Silver-tier plans are a good choice for most people because they balance affordable monthly rates with strong coverage. Choosing a plan with less coverage, such as a Bronze plan, can help you lower your monthly bills. But the trade-off is that you'll pay more for medical care.
- Plans options change depending on where you live: Ambetter has the cheapest Silver plans in the state. However, the most affordable plan where you live may be different. Oscar is the cheapest health insurance company in Nashville and Clarksville. However, Ambetter has the most affordable health insurance in Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga.
Best health insurance companies in Tennessee
BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of TN is the best-rated health insurance company in Tennessee.
BlueCross BlueShield of TN has a high 4-star rating from HealthCare.gov because of its good coverage and customer service. The company has a perfect 5-star rating for member experience, which means its customers are very satisfied with their doctors and overall level of health care.
BlueCross BlueShield is a top company for both individuals and families because it has a large network of doctors, high customer satisfaction and a wide selection of plans. You'll also get free telehealth, discounts on gym memberships and cash rewards for healthy living activities.
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Best-rated health insurance companies in TN
Company |
ACA rating
|
VP rating
|
|---|---|---|
| BCBS of TN | ||
| Cigna | ||
| Ambetter of Tennessee | ||
| UnitedHealthcare | ||
| Alliant | N/A |
Best health insurance in TN for prescriptions
Cigna is the best health insurance company in Tennessee for prescription drug coverage.
- Generic prescriptions can cost between $0 and $3 for a 30-day supply with many Cigna plans. This helps you keep your costs low for routine medications.
- There are also savings if you have diabetes. Insulin costs $25 per month or less. And you'll have some free lab tests and medications to manage your diabetes.
- Cigna plans in Tennessee have high customer satisfaction, according to HealthCare.gov. This means it could be easier to manage medical bills and get approval for your prescriptions.
How much does health insurance cost in Tennessee?
Health insurance in Tennessee costs an average of $775 per month at full price or an estimated $141 per month after discounts based on your income.
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- Health insurance rates increase as you get older: Your age will change your health insurance rate. Younger people pay lower rates because they are less likely to need expensive medical care. Across all levels of coverage, 21-year-olds pay less than half of what 60-year-olds pay.
- The plan's level of coverage also affects your rates: The average cost of health insurance for a Gold plan is higher because your insurance will pay more of your medical bills. Bronze and Catastrophic plans have cheaper rates but less coverage.
Health insurance discount changes in Tennessee for 2026
Health insurance costs $775 per month in Tennessee, or it could possibly cost around $141 per month, on average, after discounts, which is roughly two and a half times more than in 2025.
If you're eligible for subsidies, rates are projected to go from about $58 in 2025 to $141 in 2026. That's because extra Covid-era discounts are expiring at the end of 2025. Keep in mind, you can still get discounts because of your income, but they'll be smaller than in years past.
Health insurance rates in Tennessee after subsidies (2025 vs. 2026)
Income | 2025 rate | 2026 rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $49 | $155 | 216% |
| $40,000 | $154 | $287 | 86% |
| $50,000 | $283 | $415 | 47% |
| $60,000 | $423 | $498 | 18% |
| $70,000 | $496 | $711 | 43% |
Average cost after subsidies for a single 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan.
- Who can get subsidies? To get ACA subsidies, you need to earn between $15,650 and $62,600 as an individual ($32,150 to $128,600 for a family of four). You'll get a higher subsidy if you make less money.
- How do subsidies work? When you shop for medical insurance on HealthCare.gov, you'll see how much you'll pay for coverage after your subsidy is applied at check-out. You can choose to pay this lower rate every month, or you can get your entire subsidy as a lump sum at the end of the year.
- How much do you save? You can find out how much you'll save on health insurance with subsidies by using ValuePenguin's subsidy calculator.
Cheapest health insurance plan by Tennessee city
Where you live determines what health insurance companies and plans are available. In most places in Tennessee, it's a good idea to get quotes from Oscar, BlueCross and Ambetter if you're looking for a cheap Silver plan.
- The most affordable health insurance in Nashville is Oscar's Silver Classic Standard, at $751 per month.
- Ambetter of Tennessee has the cheapest rates in Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga. If you live in one of those cities, consider Ambetter's Standard Silver plan.
Cheapest health insurance plans by TN county
County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson | Ambetter Standard Silver | $669 |
| Bedford | Oscar Silver Classic Standard | $779 |
| Benton | BCBS of TN S34E PCP Copay | $701 |
| Bledsoe | Ambetter Standard Silver | $698 |
| Blount | Ambetter Standard Silver | $669 |
Cheapest Silver plan with rates for a 40-year-old
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Best health insurance by level of coverage
In Tennessee, the best health insurance plan for you depends on your overall health, medical needs and monthly budget. Generally, the more medical care you need, the higher the plan tier you should buy.
Platinum plans: Best for people with serious medical conditions
| Platinum plans pay for about 90% of your medical care. |
Platinum plans in Tennessee cost $859 per month on average.
A Platinum health plan is a good choice if you expect to need a lot of medical care in the coming year. For example, a Platinum plan would make sense if you've recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Platinum plans have the highest average monthly rates of any medical insurance plan tier. However, these plans have an average deductible of $0. That means your insurance starts paying out immediately if you choose a Platinum plan.
Gold plans: Best for high expected medical costs
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans in Tennessee cost an average of $795 per month.
This high cost is often worth it if you need ongoing medical care or take expensive prescriptions.
Gold plans pay for a large share of your medical costs, leaving you with smaller doctor bills because of lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.
Gold plans only cost slightly more than Silver plans in Tennessee. If you don't qualify for cost-sharing reductions, consider upgrading to a Gold plan.
Silver plans: Best for most people
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
Silver plans cost an average of $775 per month in Tennessee.
That saves you about $20 per month versus a Gold plan.
Silver plans are good for most people with average medical needs. That's because they balance how much you pay each month with how much you pay at the doctor.
Bronze plans: Best for young, healthy people
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
Bronze plans cost an average of $593 per month in Tennessee. They're a good choice if you're healthy and only go to the doctor a few times per year for routine care.
Bronze plans usually have the lowest monthly rates. But they have less coverage, so you'll have to pay for a large portion of your medical bills.
When choosing a plan with less coverage, make sure you have enough savings to cover an emergency medical bill. If you have to go to the hospital, you'll have high bills before the plan's full benefits kick in.
Cheap or free health insurance in Tennessee if you have a low income
If you can't afford health insurance in Tennessee, you have a few options. First, look into Medicaid, which is government health insurance for people with low incomes. If you can't get on Medicaid, look at Silver plans. These plans have extra discounts for people with low incomes.
Medicaid: Free health insurance in TN if you have a low income
Tennessee's Medicaid program, TennCare, can give you free or low-cost health insurance if you have a low income.
However, it's harder to qualify for Medicaid in Tennessee than in other states. That's because Tennessee hasn't expanded Medicaid eligibility to match federal standards.
Only Tennessee residents in certain categories qualify for TennCare:
- Children under age 19
- Medically needy children under age 21
- Adults under age 26 who have aged out of foster care
- Parents or relative caretakers of children
- Pregnant women
- People who are elderly, blind or disabled
Income requirements are different based on which category you fall into. For example, a parent in a family of three can qualify for Medicaid with an income of $26,650 per year or less. Adults with low incomes who don't have children do not qualify for Medicaid in Tennessee.
Silver plans: Best if you have a low income but don't qualify for Medicaid
| Silver plans will pay 73- to 94% of your medical costs if you have a low income. |
Silver is the only plan level that has discounts for your health care costs, called cost-sharing reductions. This will lower your deductible, coinsurance and copays.
To qualify, you have to make less than about $39,000 as a single person or less than about $80,000 as a family of four.
With cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan could give you coverage that is nearly as good as a Gold plan for a cheaper rate. Plus, this discount for medical care can be used at the same time you use subsidies to lower your monthly costs.
Are health insurance rates going up in Tennessee?
Health insurance costs in Tennessee rose by an average of 29% between 2025 and 2026.
The cost of a Silver plan rose by 39% year on year. Gold plans got 38% more expensive, on average, and Bronze plans rose by 32%, on average. Platinum plans saw the smallest average price increase, at 8%. No company is selling Catastrophic plans in Tennessee for 2026. The cost of an average Silver health plan in Tennessee rose by 52% over the past five years.
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $380 | – |
| 2023 | $430 | 13% |
| 2024 | $453 | 5% |
| 2025 | $449 | -1% |
| 2026 | $593 | 32% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Bronze
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $380 | – |
| 2023 | $430 | 13% |
| 2024 | $453 | 5% |
| 2025 | $449 | -1% |
| 2026 | $593 | 32% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Silver
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $508 | – |
| 2023 | $533 | 5% |
| 2024 | $558 | 5% |
| 2025 | $558 | 0% |
| 2026 | $775 | 39% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $625 | – |
| 2023 | $620 | -1% |
| 2024 | $675 | 9% |
| 2025 | $578 | -14% |
| 2026 | $795 | 38% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Platinum
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $797 | – |
| 2026 | $859 | 8% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Why is health insurance expensive in TN in 2026?
Rising health care costs are pushing up the cost of health insurance in Tennessee.
The cost for GLP-1 drugs is specifically a concern for many insurance companies. The widespread use of the medications means health insurance companies have to pay more overall. When costs rise like that, the companies increase rates to make sure they have enough money to cover people's prescriptions and other health care costs.
Rates are also increasing in 2026 because of changes to discounts on marketplace plans. Since 2021, people with low incomes have been able to get higher discounts. These were called "enhanced subsidies." These extra discounts expire at the end of 2025.
Because these extra discounts aren't being renewed, insurance companies are raising rates in anticipation that healthier individuals will be less likely to buy less health insurance than in years past. With fewer healthy people buying medical insurance, companies believe they'll have to pay more claims per customer.
What to do if your rates go up in 2026
- Get quotes from other companies. If the plan you have now goes up in price for 2026, look at quotes from other medical insurance companies. You might find a plan that meets your needs but is cheaper than your current option.
- Lower your coverage. If you don't go to the doctor often, you could consider buying a lower-tier plan like Bronze. Just keep in mind that you have to pay more for medical care with a Bronze plan. However, a new law lets you pair Bronze plans with an HSA, which can help you save for the higher medical costs.
- Check for discounts. If you have a low income, check to see if you get discounts. Even if the discounts are not as good for 2026, they can still save you money on your monthly rate.
- See if you can get on Medicaid. It's hard to get Medicaid in TN, but if you have a low income and are pregnant, disabled or have children, you might be able to get free or cheap coverage.
Obamacare health insurance plans in Tennessee have important benefits for both your health and your finances.
- Preventive care is free as soon as the plan begins. You won't pay anything to get a checkup or common health screenings.
- All plans protect you from large medical debt. The plan's out-of-pocket max is the most you'll have to pay for covered medical care in a year.
- Preexisting medical conditions are covered. So if you already have a diagnosis for cancer or diabetes, you can switch plans and still have coverage for your treatment.
Average cost of health insurance by family size in Tennessee
Average health insurance costs in Tennessee can range from $1,549 for a couple to $2,477 for a family of four.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $775 |
| Individual and child | $1,238 |
| Couple | $1,549 |
| Family of three | $2,013 |
| Family of four | $2,477 |
Averages based on a Silver plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
Children age 14 and under are charged a flat rate that doesn't change with age. However, once a child turns 15, their rate changes with each year.
Adding an adult to your plan is more expensive than adding a child. It costs $464 per month to add a child under the age of 15 to a Silver health insurance plan in Tennessee. But it costs an average of $775 per month to add a spouse.
Short-term health insurance in Tennessee
In January 2025, the Trump administration canceled a rule that capped the length of a short-term health policy to three months.
That means companies can sell short-term health insurance in Tennessee for up to 364 days.
In Tennessee, you can buy short-term health insurance at any time of the year. Keep in mind that short-term plans usually have worse coverage than regular health insurance.
Pros of short-term health insurance in TN
Cons of short-term health insurance in TN
Health insurance enrollment by income level in Tennessee
People with low incomes will be most affected by expiring health insurance subsidies.
That's because most ACA plans in Tennessee are bought by people who make a below-average income. Roughly three-quarters of people in Tennessee with marketplace coverage earned less than $32,150 in 2025.
Enrollment by income
Income | % of total enrollment |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,060 | 2% |
| $15,060 to $20,783 | 45% |
| $20,784 to $22,590 | 13% |
| $22,591 to $30,120 | 16% |
| $30,121 to $37,650 | 8% |
Enrollment in 2025 marketplace plans made during the 2024-2025 Open Enrollment period. Total may not be 100% due to rounding
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance expensive in Tennessee?
Health insurance in Tennessee costs an average of $775 per month for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. Your coverage will likely be more expensive if you are older, insure more than one person on your plan, smoke or use tobacco, or choose a Gold plan instead of Silver.
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in TN?
No, $200 per month is not expensive for health insurance. A Silver plan in Tennessee costs an average of $775 per month for a 40-year-old, or almost four times more than $200 per month. You could save on health insurance and potentially get a plan for $200 per month or less if you get subsidies.
Will insurance rates go up in Tennessee in 2026?
Yes, health insurance rates are going up by about 29%, on average, in Tennessee for 2026. The cost of health insurance after discounts, called subsidies, is getting roughly two and a half times more expensive, on average.
How do I apply for health insurance in Tennessee?Does Tennessee have free health insurance?
You might qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through the state Medicaid program, called TennCare. To qualify, you must meet income requirements and other qualifications, like being a parent, being blind or disabled, or having aged out of foster care.
If you earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to get free or affordable health insurance through HealthCare.gov, where plans are discounted based on your income.
Methodology
Tennessee health insurance rate data for 2026 is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. ValuePenguin used the CMS public use files (PUFs) to find average rates for different plan tiers, geographic locations and family sizes.
Rates
Rates are based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, unless otherwise noted. Rates for Bronze plans include regular and Expanded Bronze plans for 2024, 2025 and 2026, when the plans are available. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Subsidies
Rates after subsidies are estimates for a 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan and are based on how subsidies were structured before 2021. Prices are calculated using KFF's rates for full-price Benchmark plans, federal poverty levels (FPLs), IRS rules about premium tax credits and Congressional reports about expanded tax credits. The total cost in the state uses calculated rates by income, which are weighted using CMS data on the incomes of those who purchased plans during last year's open enrollment. The median was used for each income range. Unknown incomes were excluded from the calculations. Incomes of 100% of the federal poverty line and 500% of the federal poverty line were assumed for enrollees who earn less than 100% FPL and more than 500% FPL, respectively. Information about state subsidies, when available, was sourced from state marketplaces.
Ratings
ValuePenguin's experts rank companies based on cost, coverage options, customer satisfaction and unique value. Ratings are out of 100 possible points. ACA ratings show how the company performs in Tennessee for medical care, member experience and plan administration. This 2026 plan quality data from CMS is based on data from last year. Ratings are not available for new plans or plans with low enrollment.
More sources
Enrollment trends, including plan selections by tier and enrollment by income, are from CMS data for the 2025 open enrollment period.
Other sources include S&P Global Capital IQ, KFF and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Senior Writer
Talon Abernathy is a ValuePenguin Senior Writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. He's also contributed to other insurance verticals including home, renters, auto, motorcycle and flood insurance.
Talon came to ValuePenguin in 2023. Since his arrival, he's helped to expand the site's health insurance-related content offerings. He enjoys helping readers understand the ins and outs of America's all too complicated health insurance landscape.
Before coming to ValuePenguin, Talon worked as a freelance writer. His prior work has touched on a broad range of personal finance-related topics including credit-building strategies, small business incorporation tactics and creative ways to save for retirement.
Insurance tip
In many parts of the country, you can qualify for a free Silver health insurance plan if you meet certain income requirements. Government subsidies in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions may mean you'll pay nothing for coverage.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Flood insurance
- Homeowners insurance
- Renters insurance
- Auto and motorcycle insurance
Referenced by
- The Miami Herald
- Money.com
- MSN
- Nasdaq
- The Sacramento Bee
- Yahoo! Finance
Education
- BA, University of Washington
- Certificate in Copyediting, UC San Diego
Credentials
- Licensed Life & Disability Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
